Chapter 546 That Man IV (2/2)
Perhaps sensing that her behavior appeared somewhat cowardly, Celestina stamped her foot and stormed off. Rhode twitched his brows. This is interesting. So, so interesting… Although Celestina said nothing, Rhode had gotten his answer entirely based on her behavior. It seemed that his 'operation' last night was really successful.
The changing of clothes was a painful matter for Rhode. There were two meanings to this pain. Firstly, the pain from the clothes themselves. Since Rhode's disguise was a business family's daughter, he couldn't possibly wear plain-looking clothes on the streets. But those luxurious costumes weren't easy to put on either. It would be a torturous session every time he changed his clothes. Not only did he need to keep the troublesome apparel neat, but he also needed to ensure that he didn't expose himself. Even though he had a female face and 'slender' body, it didn't mean that Rhode could disguise himself completely as a woman. He didn't have breasts…
Secondly, it was the psychological pain. Although he behaved exactly like a gentle and cultivated young lady, it didn't mean that he would be willing to wear a dress. In fact, he felt as though he was personally putting scalding iron plates on himself every time he wore a dress. It was as uncomfortable as it could get.
However, these were small issues compared to the bigger picture. Although the mission had been accomplished and he couldn't wait to leave this place, he had decided to stick around for a while more. After all, he had to see for himself how the situation would come to a full close.
When Rhode changed his clothes, Celestina stared silently and she didn't mock him like she usually did. This was really rare to see in Celestina. Her sulking expression was as though someone owed her a huge sum of money. Rhode couldn't read her mind, but at least this young lady was much more obedient than before… Yes, at least this is how it seems on the surface.
”?”
At this moment, Celestina's expression changed slightly. Her scarlet pupils focused their attention on Rhode's body. Rhode had changed into his clothes. Although he wished that he could take a warm shower first, he didn't have the chance with the current situation.
Knock knock knock.
Celia entered the room with a tray of food and drinks. But this time, she presented a stern expression. ”Master, we have trouble.”
”Oh? What is it?” Rhode pressed the creases around the collar and adjusted the bow tie neatly.
”I heard some commotion by the entrance. The visitors were insisting that the Edward Trade Association has to be responsible for the accident in the underground mine.”
”Oh?” Rhode paused his movements. ”What about now?”
”I saw Miss Emily lead a few men to handle the situation,” said Celia.
”Sounds fun,” Rhode narrowed his eyes. Celia and Celestina witnessed the smile that they were most familiar with: the brilliant, chilly, yet dangerous smile. ”Let's go check it out, Celia.”
”Yes, Master.”
Emily stood fumingly on the plaza outside the Edward Trade Association, clenching her fists and glaring at the group of people before her. They were the members of the Howard Trade Association.
”Mr. Howard. You claimed that our Edward Trade Association was behind all this? You are slandering us! We have never done such a thing and we would never do it. Instead, isn't the Howard Trade Association the ones behind it? I've seen it for myself that you've hired mercenaries into the underground mine… How is it possible that your Trade Association would send mercenaries to mine ores?”
”This is only your one-sided statement, Miss Emily,” the elderly man said without any signs of anger. ”Your accusations aren't enough to explain that this is the doing of our Howard Trade Association. Besides, the underground is full of monsters now and our mining work has been hindered…”
”That goes for us too, old bastard. Our Edward Trade Association's mine has been completely shut down due to the earthquake and we can't continue our mining operations. Isn't this the doing of you bastards?”
Both sides were accusing each other at this point and the Howard Trade Association members burst out in anger.
”What a load of crap. Why would we do such a despicable thing? It must be you! You joined up with that fella from the Country of Light to conquer the entire mine and wipe us out entirely. Do you really think that we're not aware of it?!”
”…”
Emily was enraged. She had finally returned home and even before she could tidy up her mood, she was swept into this dispute. The merchants who were longing for the chairman position tried to gain benefits through her. Her father had just passed on and his death didn't seem important to them at all. And now, she had to stand here and wrangle with people of the Howard Trade Association about whose fault it was?
Emily had the urge to rave and rip apart her facade because she had had enough of such a miserable life. Father has died in the mine accident and these culprits actually have the cheek to point their fingers at me? They even tried to kill me?! She couldn't hold it in anymore. She took big strides forward, but, before she said anything, a crisp, gentle voice sounded and muted the rowdy crowd instantly.
”What an interesting accusation. You said that the Edward Trade Association and I have awakened the underground monster and even tried to capture the entire mine. Is there any evidence to your claims?”